WASHINGTON –US President Donald Trump lamented Israel, Iran for breaking the ceasefire as tensions continue unabated despite peace talks.
Trump dialed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to urge restraint, just hours after he announced a ceasefire between the two archenemies.
Despite Trump’s appeal, Netanyahu reportedly told POTUS that Israel could not abandon the planned military action, claiming it was a necessary response to what he described as Iran’s violation of the truce. While the operation went ahead, officials say it was significantly scaled back, with Israeli forces striking a single target instead of launching a broader assault.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) confirmed that its last wave of missile strikes against Tel Aviv was launched just minutes before the ceasefire was to take effect.
IRGC said it fired 14 missiles at Israeli military installations in retaliation for prior deadly Israeli airstrikes. Iranian officials framed the attack as a final act of retaliation and a stern warning, calling it a “historic lesson” delivered to Israel.
In a strongly worded message posted on social media account, warning Israel against further escalation. “Do not drop those bombs. If you do, it is a major violation. Bring your pilots home, now!” he wrote shortly after departing Washington for a NATO summit in The Hague.
Speaking to reporters before boarding Air Force One, Trump expressed disappointment in both nations for undermining the ceasefire deal, but placed particular blame on Israel. “Iran and Israel both violated the ceasefire, but I’m especially unhappy with Israel. They acted immediately after committing to peace,” he said.
Trump also made the bold claim that Iran’s nuclear capabilities had been “taken off the table,” though he offered no evidence or clarification.
The tense exchange and rapid-fire military actions highlight the fragile nature of the ceasefire, which Trump had hoped would mark a turning point in a region long plagued by conflict. As of now, it remains unclear whether diplomacy can regain momentum, or if a broader conflict looms.
